How to Certify

If you’ve just started the certification process or you want more information about how it works, this step-by-step guide can help you understand how getting an AFIP certification works.

Step 1 – Order Materials

There are several ways you can order your AFIP Certification Program:

• Online through our website by choosing the Certification link at the top right corner of our website.
• Through an AFIP Industry Member or Dealership

When you order you will be able to select your Course Type (Franchise New, Independent or RV/Motorcycle/Marine). The cost of the course includes all the materials you’ll need to get certified, including your textbook, online materials, virtual sessions, exam review, and the cost of the exam itself.

There are three methods of certification.  You may choose the self-study, virtual online boot camps or you may have the option to participate in an onsite AFIP Certification Boot Camp. These boot camp sessions can carry an additional fee. You can consult with your AFIP Industry Member provider or an AFIP Account Manager to learn more about this option, or view our calendar of events.

Step 2 – Verify Licensing

To become AFIP Certified, you must have, or have applied for, all licenses required by your state to perform your duties. This means you’re only required to have licenses if those licenses are required to do the job you’re doing when you take the AFIP exam. If you later change jobs and are required to have new or different licenses, you must apply for and receive those licenses to maintain your AFIP Certification.

Each candidate will be required to provide information on their status with regard to state licensing and other details. While AFIP does not verify state licensing on every candidate, it is a violation of the code of ethics to provide false information. If you do, you may be subject to disciplinary action, including possibly losing your AFIP Certification.

Failing to have the licenses required by your state is a violation of the AFIP Code of Ethics and will result in disciplinary action, which may include the suspension of your AFIP Certification status.

Step 3 – Self-Study

Once you have received your materials and verified your licenses, you will need to study for the exam itself. You should set aside at least 40 hours over six to eight weeks to study for the exam. The how-to guide that comes with your materials shows you how to set up your online training account on the AFIP LMS (Learning Management System) and walks you through the rest of the process step by step.

The AFIP LMS is an interactive, multimedia e-training system that will guide you through the training at your own pace. Each topic has a quiz that allows you to gauge your retention of the information. The AFIP LMS tracks your progress through the system and provides a report card that identifies topics you need to revisit.

After ordering your materials you will have six months to finish studying and pass your exam. If you require additional time, AFIP can help you create a personalized AFIP Certification program.

Step 4 – Schedule Virtual Boot Camp and Review Sessions

AFIP provides one Virtual Boot Camp Certification class each month.  AFIP Final Review (Test Prep Classes) are held each Friday at 10am CST.   These live sessions give you a chance to solidify your knowledge, prepare you for the exam and ask any final questions you may have before testing.

If you’d like to join one of AFIP’s Virtual Boot Camp Certification or AFIP Final Review class, view our calendar of events. State reviews can be found inside the AFIP LMS.  If you need further assistance please call (817) 428-2434.

Step 5 – Take the Test and Submit Necessary Documents

You must pass each of the test modules with a score of 80% or higher and submit all required documents to become AFIP Certified.

If you fail any portion of the AFIP Certification Course, you will be given one more opportunity to pass (additional fees apply). You only have to retake the portion of the test you failed, but you must wait at least two weeks before retaking the exam (no exceptions). If you have special needs (i.e., a language barrier or documented learning disability), please contact AFIP.

To prepare for the test:

• You must have applied for any state required licenses to perform your duties.
• You must pre-register (before testing) no less than 72 hours prior to your anticipated test date. 

AFIP Certification Exams can take up to three hours of testing for all three sections.

How to Pre-Register for your Certification Exam
To pre-register and schedule your AFIP Certification Examination, log into the AFIP LMS, go to your dashboard, click on your federal course.  The exam link is found to the right above your course. 

If you have questions, please contact an AFIP Program Manager at (817) 428-2434 or by email at info@afip.com.